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Herbal Medicines for Canker Sores

By: ashu

Description

Most people know that they have a developing canker sore when they notice a slight stinging sensation somewhere inside their mouth-usually on the cheek or tongue, but sometimes on the gums or soft palate. A few hours later, a sensitive red bump appears. By the next day, the bump becomes an ulcerated and painful sore.

Also known as aphthous ulcers, these sores which strike women slightly more often than menusually make their first appearance when you are between the ages of 10 and 40. The sores may never come back again, or they may recur periodically over the course of your life. While canker sores are ordinarily more of an annoyance than a health hazard, extremely severe attacks can be accompanied by fever, listlessness, and swollen glands.

At this time, the specific cause of canker sores is unknown, though there appears to be a hereditary disposition toward them. (If your mother or father suffers from recurrent bouts of canker sores, you may, too.) There also seems to be a connection between canker sores and physical irritation-from braces or dentures, for example. Food allergies are also a suspected cause of the condition. Some women even get canker sores before their menstrual periods. Some people are susceptible during times of extreme stress or fatigue; others are prone due to deficiencies of vitamin B12, iron, of folic acid.

Signs and Symptoms

Small, white or yellow sores with red borders that appear on the inside of the mouth-on the tongue, gums, soft palate, or the inside surfaces of the cheeks and lips

Sores may appear singly or in clusters

Pain at the site

Conventional Medical Treatment

With good mouth hygiene (make sure to brush your teeth and tongue regularly and floss daily), canker sores usually disappear within 7 to 10 days. Refrain from touching or picking at the sores, since these habits can cause irritation or even a secondary infection. While the sores heal, you also may want to avoid spicy and acidic foods (such as tomatoes), which can easily irritate them. To relieve pain, consider trying over-the counter topical analgesics, such as benzocaine (Orajel).

If the sores become infected or last for more than 2 weeks, contact your physician or dentist, who may prescribe antibiotics.

Several herbs are useful in the treatment of cranker sores. Most of them contain tannins and have other wound healing properties. Tannin, the common name for tannic acid, is a constituent of many plants and gives foods an astringent taste.

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